JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) advises that given the ongoing spread of COVID-19 in Mississippi and the shortage of protective medical equipment, elective medical procedures and non-essential medical visits must be postponed at this time.

The following measures should be taken:

• Physicians, hospitals and medical centers must defer elective surgical and diagnostic procedures until COVID-19 spread has diminished and the supply of protective medical equipment is restored.
• Physicians and providers should reschedule non-urgent medical appointments for a later date.
• Dentists must delay non-emergency or routine dental procedures.
• Patients should reschedule any non-essential procedures, surgeries or medical visits until the threat of COVID-19 is diminished

These measures will protect patients and healthcare professionals by minimizing potential exposure to COVID-19 and preserving valuable protective equipment.